It is with a heavy heart that I share with you the news of Gene Butler’s passing. Not only was Gene the SW WA Mycological Society’s esteemed honorary adviser, but he was the founder of the local Club 5 years ago. He also helped found the Snohomish County Mycological Society 35+ years ago. Through his countless hours of volunteerism with developing educational programs, keying out the specific genera in a published book, and the willingness to share his vast technical knowledge on mycology, the mushroom community is forever grateful.

Just the other day when he was bit frustrated with his recalling of a specific uncommon specimen, I had jokingly told him, he has forgotten more about the taxonomy of mushrooms than most of us will ever learn in a lifetime & not to fret. I think we’re all in agreement with that statement. His passing has left a giant chasm in the mushroom community. Gene became an integral part of the mushroom community beginning in the 1970s with assisting the original Pacific Northwest Key Council stretching over several states & spanning over 40 plus years. Gene was a well known & respected member of the local community through his involvement of various organizations & Lewis County has lost a great citizen.

We will share with you as more details become available regarding Gene’s celebration of life ceremony. Please feel free to share this within the mushroom community as Gene Butler was a very well known & highly respected mycologist. Our hearts are saddened by the loss of our dear friend.

Their first ever International Truffle Expo given by Alana McGee and Kristin Rosenbach wowed many people. This fabulous and delightful event brought enthusiasts from different regions of our US continental.

Friday, Bonnie and I attended the Hunter -Gatherer Dinner at Novelty Hill-Januik winery, a charming place.

Thank you to both Judi DuBois, and Jim Smith for hosting our annual cultivation workshop at their home. A wonderful time socializing with members, participating in rolling of the straw and blue oyster spawn, learning about the mushroom life cycle, filling our bags and jam packing it fully, and of course, enjoying all the delectable potluck dishes that everyone brought.

And a huge thank you to Kurt for an educational presentation of cultivating blue oyster mushrooms. We’ve learned a lot! And we anxiously look forward to seeing them popping out of the kit to throw in the pot.

Thank you to all our members who attended this fun event, and we look forward to seeing you again.

All members are invited to join the Ben Woo Memorial foray October 21-23. Registration is $165 per person, and you must register online by September 30, 2016. There are only 100 spots and it is already almost half sold out.

The third event is described below. Ticket purchase information is at the web site below.
3) The Truffle Feast, at a venue in Vancouver called the supper club that seats 36. Guests pay a $20 deposit (plus service fee) in advance and remaining ($79) and tip in cash upon arrival. From Chef Robin of Swallow Tail Culinary adventures: “If you love the flavour of umami (savoury), fresh truffles are some of the most intoxicating and exotic mushrooms around. Chef Jacob Deacon-Evans (Wildebeest, West, Bishops) creates a lavish truffle dinner at the secret supper club while truffle hunter Brooke Fochuk and truffle expert Shannon Berch talk about the truffles that grow in BC. Learn how Brooke and her dog Dexter find these expensive underground gems in the forest. It’s like food treasure!” Dining is long table style at a secret location in Vancouver (details emailed after booking), bring some red or white Burgundy to pair, Saturday Feb 6th, 6:30pm, $99
Book Now http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2494167